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Coda #2
Dalla A alla Z
Un libro della serie Coda
Zach Mitchell è giunto a un punto morto. Il suo ragazzo del college l’ha lasciato dieci anni prima, ma Zach vive ancora nello stesso appartamento, guida ancora la stessa macchina e si occupa ancora del gatto ingrato del suo ex. Il suo negozio a Denver, Noleggio video dalla A alla Z, fatica ad affermarsi. Ha dei clienti fastidiosi, dei vicini eccentrici e una storia insoddisfacente con il nuovo proprietario del negozio, Tom.
Angelo Green è un punk con un carattere indipendente, è cresciuto con dei genitori adottivi ed è stato per conto suo da quando aveva sedici anni; non ha mai imparato a fidarsi o ad amare. Non gli piacciono le relazioni, così quando comincia a lavorare a Dalla A alla Z, decide che Zach è off-limits.
Nonostante le loro differenze, Zach e Angelo diventano amici in fretta, e quando la rottura di Zach e Tom metterà il negozio in difficoltà, sarà Angelo a trovare una soluzione. Insieme a Jared e Matt, i loro amici di Coda, Colorado, Zach e Angelo troveranno un modo per salvare Dalla A alla Z, ma saranno capaci anche di salvare loro stessi.
Zach Mitchell è giunto a un punto morto. Il suo ragazzo del college l’ha lasciato dieci anni prima, ma Zach vive ancora nello stesso appartamento, guida ancora la stessa macchina e si occupa ancora del gatto ingrato del suo ex. Il suo negozio a Denver, Noleggio video dalla A alla Z, fatica ad affermarsi. Ha dei clienti fastidiosi, dei vicini eccentrici e una storia insoddisfacente con il nuovo proprietario del negozio, Tom.
Angelo Green è un punk con un carattere indipendente, è cresciuto con dei genitori adottivi ed è stato per conto suo da quando aveva sedici anni; non ha mai imparato a fidarsi o ad amare. Non gli piacciono le relazioni, così quando comincia a lavorare a Dalla A alla Z, decide che Zach è off-limits.
Nonostante le loro differenze, Zach e Angelo diventano amici in fretta, e quando la rottura di Zach e Tom metterà il negozio in difficoltà, sarà Angelo a trovare una soluzione. Insieme a Jared e Matt, i loro amici di Coda, Colorado, Zach e Angelo troveranno un modo per salvare Dalla A alla Z, ma saranno capaci anche di salvare loro stessi.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2010
74 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
About the author
Marie Sexton
70 books2,227 followersMarie Sexton lives in Colorado. She’s a fan of just about anything that involves muscular young men piling on top of each other. In particular, she loves the Denver Broncos and enjoys going to the games with her husband. Her imaginary friends often tag along. Marie has one daughter, two cats, and one dog, all of whom seem bent on destroying what remains of her sanity. She loves them anyway.
The absolute best way to stay up-to-date on my books is by joining my FB group. You can view livestreams about Oestend, Coda, and the Heretic Doms Club. I also give away books on a regular basis. NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!
Or, you might want to check out these pages:
Coda: Which book do I read first?
Find a book by trope or heat level.
Visit my website/blog at http://www.MarieSexton.net
The absolute best way to stay up-to-date on my books is by joining my FB group. You can view livestreams about Oestend, Coda, and the Heretic Doms Club. I also give away books on a regular basis. NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!
Or, you might want to check out these pages:
Coda: Which book do I read first?
Find a book by trope or heat level.
Visit my website/blog at http://www.MarieSexton.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
April 19, 2020
Zach Mitchell is just drifting along. His college boyfriend left him ten years ago, still he lives in the same apartment, drives the same car, and feeds his ex-boyfriend’s ungrateful cat. Not because of the memories, but the lack of motivation. His business is struggling.
He is totally oblivious about things and people around him. His life is dead in the water, and seemingly nothing can change that. His affair with his landlord Tom makes him feel like dirt.
Still, this is the misstep that gives him the last push to something new and valuable. His relationship with Tom is unnecessarily detailed, but it is a great counterpoint to the beautiful and precious thing what Zach and Angelo have shared.
Angelo Green is a regular customer at Zach’s store. Though Zach thinks he is a punk with attitude, Angelo is interested in Zach for a long time. When Zach offers a job to him at the video rental, Angelo takes it immediately and they quickly become friends.
Angelo is perceptive, attentive, and kind. He is tough, too and so much fun. He systematizes and rearranges Zach’s store and brings light and fun into his life.
The story is told from a dual point of view, in first person. I love this kind of narrative. It was great to follow how Angelo’s interest morphed into something more and deep for Zach, who noticed nothing about it all the while, of course.
I loved Angelo and I loved Zach. They have totally different personalities, still both of them found their way to my heart. They balance each other perfectly.
Angelo’spanic and doubts are understandable: he was raised in foster homes and has been on his own since he was sixteen; he has never learned to trust or to love. He needs affirmation.
Zach is so reasonable and wonderful. His mission is to make Angelo happy, to make him feel cherished and safe.
Zach and Angelo move to Coda and a close friendship forms with Matt and Jared. It was amazing to witness, and I was so happy to meet Matt and Jared again.
A to Z is a wonderful story! I loved the storyline, the romance, the characters, everything. There are so many beautiful moments in it that it is a serious struggle not to give away everything with the quotes. Recommended!
My favorite quotes.
So now here I am: thirty-four, single, and the not-so-proud owner of A to Z Video Rental. Did I mention that I hate movies?
He is totally oblivious about things and people around him. His life is dead in the water, and seemingly nothing can change that. His affair with his landlord Tom makes him feel like dirt.
It was becoming more and more obvious that he was only in it for the sex. And the sex wasn’t even that good. I felt cheap. I felt used. I felt like a fool.
Still, this is the misstep that gives him the last push to something new and valuable. His relationship with Tom is unnecessarily detailed, but it is a great counterpoint to the beautiful and precious thing what Zach and Angelo have shared.
Angelo Green is a regular customer at Zach’s store. Though Zach thinks he is a punk with attitude, Angelo is interested in Zach for a long time. When Zach offers a job to him at the video rental, Angelo takes it immediately and they quickly become friends.
“Uh, do you want a job?”
“I got one.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t sure why I had assumed he was unemployed. “Okay.”
“Sure.”
“Sure, what?”
“I want a job.”
“You just said you already had one.”
“I do. I got two. But if you’re hirin’, I’ll quit one of ’em. It hella sucks anyway.”
I didn’t know what “helisux” was, but I wasn’t about to ask. “Can you organize all these movies?”
“Easy.”
“When can you start?”
He smiled at me. “Now.”
Angelo is perceptive, attentive, and kind. He is tough, too and so much fun. He systematizes and rearranges Zach’s store and brings light and fun into his life.
The story is told from a dual point of view, in first person. I love this kind of narrative. It was great to follow how Angelo’s interest morphed into something more and deep for Zach, who noticed nothing about it all the while, of course.
I spend half the night wantin’ to touch him and the other half worried that I will. He’s oblivious, like always. He sleeps like a fuckin’ baby.
I loved Angelo and I loved Zach. They have totally different personalities, still both of them found their way to my heart. They balance each other perfectly.
Angelo’spanic and doubts are understandable: he was raised in foster homes and has been on his own since he was sixteen; he has never learned to trust or to love. He needs affirmation.
I think he can sense there’s still some piece of me that’s scared shitless. That little voice inside of me that’s constantly tellin’ me to run like crazy before he has a chance to hurt me.
Zach is so reasonable and wonderful. His mission is to make Angelo happy, to make him feel cherished and safe.
Zach and Angelo move to Coda and a close friendship forms with Matt and Jared. It was amazing to witness, and I was so happy to meet Matt and Jared again.
A to Z is a wonderful story! I loved the storyline, the romance, the characters, everything. There are so many beautiful moments in it that it is a serious struggle not to give away everything with the quotes. Recommended!
My favorite quotes.
April 23, 2023
“All this time I been thinkin’ about the kinds of love I see—Jared’s contented love, Matt’s amazed love, and Zach’s reverent love. I thought my love had to be one of those. I see now I have my own love. My love is belonging. ’Cause before Zach I never had a place I belonged at all. Now I know. I belong with him. It’s as simple as that.”
April 10, 2021
Still solid. Still have same niggles.
---Original Review June 2019---
I didn't enjoy A to Z quite as much as I did the first time around, so I knocked my rating down to 4 stars. Still a pretty solid story and I do adore Zach and Angelo.
My niggles stem from 2 things:
- Every scene with Tom made me want to vomit. Zach let Tom walk all over him and I know that Zach is an oblivious guy, but damn, how could he not see through that smarmy douchebag.
- The idea that Angelo's mother deserves a second chance just because she gave birth. She abandoned Angelo. He is not responsible for assuaging her guilt. He does not owe her anything. Now, if he thinks it would be better for his mental health to get some closure there, then ok, but I felt he was kind of pushed to give her air time, because "she's your mom". Eh, she didn't seem to be interested in being a mom when it mattered, she can wait.
Other than those things, I enjoyed the story and am loving my return to Coda.
---Original Review June 2019---
I didn't enjoy A to Z quite as much as I did the first time around, so I knocked my rating down to 4 stars. Still a pretty solid story and I do adore Zach and Angelo.
My niggles stem from 2 things:
- Every scene with Tom made me want to vomit. Zach let Tom walk all over him and I know that Zach is an oblivious guy, but damn, how could he not see through that smarmy douchebag.
- The idea that Angelo's mother deserves a second chance just because she gave birth. She abandoned Angelo. He is not responsible for assuaging her guilt. He does not owe her anything. Now, if he thinks it would be better for his mental health to get some closure there, then ok, but I felt he was kind of pushed to give her air time, because "she's your mom". Eh, she didn't seem to be interested in being a mom when it mattered, she can wait.
Other than those things, I enjoyed the story and am loving my return to Coda.
June 2, 2015
I know for some of you, this your least favorite of the whole series. But I loved these guys, they are DIFFERENT. Everything they've been through, it's so much different, not ordinary, not what everybody has been used to.
I like Angelo, I think out of the Coda guys, he's my favorite. He's very deep, and he doesn't know he is. That's adorable.
And Zach, I can really relate to him. I'm one of those guys who are academically smart, but at times, not sharp enough and feels one or two steps behind, like Zach. His obliviousness and naiveness is also adorable and relatable for me because I'm like that too.
For me this is a step up for Ms. Sexton's writing but unfortunately quite unpopular to readers. I loved that this has perspective from both Zach and Angelo. But sometimes, I'm left wondering what is going on and how that thing happened.
Overall, it's a great effort which I ended up liking and enjoyed really much.
3.75 YOU'RE MY ANGEL STARS
I like Angelo, I think out of the Coda guys, he's my favorite. He's very deep, and he doesn't know he is. That's adorable.
And Zach, I can really relate to him. I'm one of those guys who are academically smart, but at times, not sharp enough and feels one or two steps behind, like Zach. His obliviousness and naiveness is also adorable and relatable for me because I'm like that too.
For me this is a step up for Ms. Sexton's writing but unfortunately quite unpopular to readers. I loved that this has perspective from both Zach and Angelo. But sometimes, I'm left wondering what is going on and how that thing happened.
Overall, it's a great effort which I ended up liking and enjoyed really much.
3.75 YOU'RE MY ANGEL STARS
September 19, 2012
2.5 stars.
*This review contains mild spoilers*
I know many of my friends liked this book, but I didn't enjoy it much. One of my problems was the alternating first person POV (simple past for Zach and present tense for Angelo). It drove me nuts.
Another problem was the characters and the chemistry between them. I didn't particularly like Zach. He was kind of doormat-ey; first with Tom (seems like Ms Sexton likes to have at least one despicable caricature/character in her books. It was Matt's father in Promises) and then with Angelo ("anything you want, Ang," "anything you like, angel," "whatever you prefer, Angelo.") You get the picture. I didn't like Angelo, either. His hang-ups were so major and his behaviour so childish, I couldn't warm up to him at all. And maybe that's why I couldn't feel any connection between them. They both needed each other, each for his own reasons, but other than that, they didn't come across as crazy about each other as the second part of the book wanted me to believe.
I didn't get why Angelo's mother had to make an appearance, either. She didn't help advance the plot of the story at all. Angelo had so many issues to resolve both about himself and in his relationship with Zach, he didn't need the added stress of his mother reappearing and wanting to play "mom" after being AWOL for twenty years. Plus, that scene in Angelo's flat when she first knocked on his door? Caught myself wondering where Jerry Springer was.
There were various typos and grammar/syntax issues. Call me nitpicky, but nothing grates on the nerves of my inner editor more than the use of "you're" instead of "your" and vice versa.
So, like I said, I can't say I enjoyed this very much. But I wasn't bored out of my mind while reading it and I liked the movie references (-Ed Wood? -Ed who? -Ed Wood, with Johnny Depp. - Is that the one where he cuts hair? - You talkin' 'bout Edward Scissorhands or Sweeney Todd? - I thought we were talking about Johnny Depp) plus it was nice seeing Matt and Jared from Promises again. And that's just about it. Hence the 2.5 stars.
*This review contains mild spoilers*
I know many of my friends liked this book, but I didn't enjoy it much. One of my problems was the alternating first person POV (simple past for Zach and present tense for Angelo). It drove me nuts.
Another problem was the characters and the chemistry between them. I didn't particularly like Zach. He was kind of doormat-ey; first with Tom (seems like Ms Sexton likes to have at least one despicable caricature/character in her books. It was Matt's father in Promises) and then with Angelo ("anything you want, Ang," "anything you like, angel," "whatever you prefer, Angelo.") You get the picture. I didn't like Angelo, either. His hang-ups were so major and his behaviour so childish, I couldn't warm up to him at all. And maybe that's why I couldn't feel any connection between them. They both needed each other, each for his own reasons, but other than that, they didn't come across as crazy about each other as the second part of the book wanted me to believe.
I didn't get why Angelo's mother had to make an appearance, either. She didn't help advance the plot of the story at all. Angelo had so many issues to resolve both about himself and in his relationship with Zach, he didn't need the added stress of his mother reappearing and wanting to play "mom" after being AWOL for twenty years. Plus, that scene in Angelo's flat when she first knocked on his door? Caught myself wondering where Jerry Springer was.
There were various typos and grammar/syntax issues. Call me nitpicky, but nothing grates on the nerves of my inner editor more than the use of "you're" instead of "your" and vice versa.
So, like I said, I can't say I enjoyed this very much. But I wasn't bored out of my mind while reading it and I liked the movie references (-Ed Wood? -Ed who? -Ed Wood, with Johnny Depp. - Is that the one where he cuts hair? - You talkin' 'bout Edward Scissorhands or Sweeney Todd? - I thought we were talking about Johnny Depp) plus it was nice seeing Matt and Jared from Promises again. And that's just about it. Hence the 2.5 stars.
September 3, 2024
“Four fags watchin’ football. Must be pretty fuckin’ cold in hell right now.”
This was awful. This one read like a MF book. It must be the time, I guess? 14 year old book.
So unless you're into a completely boring dynamic between the MMCs and you love old movies and don't mind them being talked about a lot, I guess you're going to like this one.
I didn't.
🟢 Video store owner/employee
🔵 Age gap - 7 years 27/34
🟡 MMCs not fleshed out, especially the older guy
🟣 Third guy involved, both hooking up on-page before getting together
🔵 No chemistry WHATSOEVER
🟠 Absent mother, reunited - it was awful
🌶️ Smut was boring because there was no connection; skipped most of it; both vers
The story wasn't good. At all. Didn't pull me in and comparing it to the first installment it was even worse. The couple from that book - Matt and Jared - were pretty decent in this one, they were also very present so they kind of "saved" the book, but overall it wasn't good at all.
Zach is a loser owner of a video rental business who hires Angelo, the movie lover.
Zach's hooking up with the landlord Tom out of fucking nowhere in the meantime, this Tom character just drops in, says he's the owner and starts taking Zach to dinner here and there while having sex with him for rent - sex Zach doesn't like.
And this was my first red flag -- to dinner? Really? For a quick blowjob and then he doesn't come around for a week and then dinner again before a quick blow job? Zach was also under the impression they had a relationship? And Angelo was trying to let him know he's being used?
Yeah, give me a straight book and call it a day.
Zach suddenly realises damn, Angelo must be in love with me! So they start seeing each other and the sex wasn't that good. Probably because the chemistry between Angelo and Zach was non existent.
They moved to Coda opening the business there, then they were trying to live together but somehow couldn't be on the same page, it was awkward reading about it because as a couple they weren't that good together.
Angelo's mother who dumped him at a neighbour's house when he was 5 comes back, she just comes by one afternoon and has a bigger role in the story, she's trying to tell him why she did it and asking for his forgiveness, so he's back in contact with her just like that, I mean what? So unrealistic.
“But Angelo,” she said quietly, “it’s a sin. It’s not natural.” Tears ran down her cheeks, and she wiped them away quickly. “It’s wrong. God said—”
Yeah yeah yeah, byeeeee.
👎
This was awful. This one read like a MF book. It must be the time, I guess? 14 year old book.
So unless you're into a completely boring dynamic between the MMCs and you love old movies and don't mind them being talked about a lot, I guess you're going to like this one.
I didn't.
🟢 Video store owner/employee
🔵 Age gap - 7 years 27/34
🟡 MMCs not fleshed out, especially the older guy
🟣 Third guy involved, both hooking up on-page before getting together
🔵 No chemistry WHATSOEVER
🟠 Absent mother, reunited - it was awful
🌶️ Smut was boring because there was no connection; skipped most of it; both vers
The story wasn't good. At all. Didn't pull me in and comparing it to the first installment it was even worse. The couple from that book - Matt and Jared - were pretty decent in this one, they were also very present so they kind of "saved" the book, but overall it wasn't good at all.
Zach is a loser owner of a video rental business who hires Angelo, the movie lover.
Zach's hooking up with the landlord Tom out of fucking nowhere in the meantime, this Tom character just drops in, says he's the owner and starts taking Zach to dinner here and there while having sex with him for rent - sex Zach doesn't like.
And this was my first red flag -- to dinner? Really? For a quick blowjob and then he doesn't come around for a week and then dinner again before a quick blow job? Zach was also under the impression they had a relationship? And Angelo was trying to let him know he's being used?
Yeah, give me a straight book and call it a day.
Zach suddenly realises damn, Angelo must be in love with me! So they start seeing each other and the sex wasn't that good. Probably because the chemistry between Angelo and Zach was non existent.
They moved to Coda opening the business there, then they were trying to live together but somehow couldn't be on the same page, it was awkward reading about it because as a couple they weren't that good together.
Angelo's mother who dumped him at a neighbour's house when he was 5 comes back, she just comes by one afternoon and has a bigger role in the story, she's trying to tell him why she did it and asking for his forgiveness, so he's back in contact with her just like that, I mean what? So unrealistic.
“But Angelo,” she said quietly, “it’s a sin. It’s not natural.” Tears ran down her cheeks, and she wiped them away quickly. “It’s wrong. God said—”
Yeah yeah yeah, byeeeee.
👎
January 13, 2015
I loved the first book in this series, Promises. Unfortunately, A to Z just didn't stack up well. This book would have irritated me on its own, but the fact that it came after such a great beginning in a series only seemed to make things worse.
Zack was just....ya know, I read a lot of m/m romances because reading about idiotic, clueless women in hetero romances has just taken its damn toll on me. So why would I feel even slightly thrilled reading a m/m romance where one half of the romantic duo is not only idiotic and clueless, but also really pathetic? You would think that after spending a good chunk of his young adult life wasting everyone's time, Zack would have woken up and started to make something of himself, but you'd be wrong. He's just a useless lump of depressing nothing, running a video rental store that has somehow miraculously stayed in business despite the fact that he has like, five customers (oh, and he hates movies!)...he only begins living his life when Angelo drags him out of his useless, self-loathing, self-destructive lifestyle. I wanted to hit Zack. A lot.
Angelo was OK, but I couldn't really connect with him. He was the stereotypically emotionally distant character that pushes people away out of a fear of being hurt. The problem is that the character pushes the reader away, as well, so you're left not really caring why he feels so bad.
My biggest issue with this book? Zack allowed Tom, his skeezy, rapey new landlord, to fuck him without a condom. He hands him a condom, but then realized that Tom didn't put it on before going to town on Zack's ass. Then Zack's all, "Oh well, too late now." I'm sorry, what?! Then turns around and has unprotected sex with Angelo (on several occasions) without once thinking to get tested. I think it was established pretty early on that Tom would screw anything that took its pants off (willingly or unwillingly), so it's very possible Zack was exposed to some very nasty viruses, and yet...
Most romance authors are pretty responsible about depicting safe sex, and I haven't yet encountered a m/m romance author who forewent mentioning that their characters always wore condoms unless they'd been tested and were sure they were clean. So Sexton's carelessness with that topic not only made me hate Zack, it also made me lose a lot of respect for Sexton.
I won't be reading the next in this series. After reading a few spoilers from my lovely fellow Goodreaders, I don't think that one would help my blood pressure much.
Zack was just....ya know, I read a lot of m/m romances because reading about idiotic, clueless women in hetero romances has just taken its damn toll on me. So why would I feel even slightly thrilled reading a m/m romance where one half of the romantic duo is not only idiotic and clueless, but also really pathetic? You would think that after spending a good chunk of his young adult life wasting everyone's time, Zack would have woken up and started to make something of himself, but you'd be wrong. He's just a useless lump of depressing nothing, running a video rental store that has somehow miraculously stayed in business despite the fact that he has like, five customers (oh, and he hates movies!)...he only begins living his life when Angelo drags him out of his useless, self-loathing, self-destructive lifestyle. I wanted to hit Zack. A lot.
Angelo was OK, but I couldn't really connect with him. He was the stereotypically emotionally distant character that pushes people away out of a fear of being hurt. The problem is that the character pushes the reader away, as well, so you're left not really caring why he feels so bad.
My biggest issue with this book? Zack allowed Tom, his skeezy, rapey new landlord, to fuck him without a condom. He hands him a condom, but then realized that Tom didn't put it on before going to town on Zack's ass. Then Zack's all, "Oh well, too late now." I'm sorry, what?! Then turns around and has unprotected sex with Angelo (on several occasions) without once thinking to get tested. I think it was established pretty early on that Tom would screw anything that took its pants off (willingly or unwillingly), so it's very possible Zack was exposed to some very nasty viruses, and yet...
Most romance authors are pretty responsible about depicting safe sex, and I haven't yet encountered a m/m romance author who forewent mentioning that their characters always wore condoms unless they'd been tested and were sure they were clean. So Sexton's carelessness with that topic not only made me hate Zack, it also made me lose a lot of respect for Sexton.
I won't be reading the next in this series. After reading a few spoilers from my lovely fellow Goodreaders, I don't think that one would help my blood pressure much.
June 11, 2023
I know I really enjoyed the first book in the series when I read it years ago, but this one was a miss for me. The way the story evolves is just sort of like reading snippets from somebody's life--idk how to describe it, but it felt a little outline-like and unfinished. It also started in a weird place, with Zach getting with Tom, and there was quite a lot of on-screen sex between both MCs and other people before they got together, which is just... not really me thing. I wasn't squicked or anything, it just didn't really feel necessary and seemed like a lot of time to be spent on smut not between the end game couple. I also was just sort of meh on the characters and their connection, their many sex scenes did nothing for me, and I just never really felt like they were a good match. Kind of bummed because I'd love to read more Matt & Jared, but I just have no interest in reading about Angelo and Zach at all, which means I'm probably going to be passing on the rest of this series.
October 25, 2013
I am absolutely addicted to Marie Sexton books! I’ve read 4 of her books in the past month! And they have all been 5-star reads for me! I am loving the Coda series. In A to Z, we meet Zach who owns a video store in Denver. His life is stagnant, he’s not terribly happy, but he doesn’t know what else to do. He doesn’t think he has any other options. He’s sorta dating the building’s new landlord Tom, but beginning to wonder if he’s anything more than just a booty call to Tom. Then he befriends Angelo, one of his customers. This is a slow-building friends-to-lovers story and I loved it!! We even get to re-visit Matt and Jared. I’m already putting book #3 on my Kindle!!
April 28, 2013
From the plot, to the writing, to the characters, as a whole this was underwhelming. I didn't care for Zach. He was dense, he let Tom walk all over him and he was too eager to please everyone. I liked Angelo a bit more than Zach. At least he had some personality. He has a bit of an edge and he's perceptive, although at times he came off extremely immature. As a couple, they were ok but I really didn't find myself routing for them.
Meh, I'll probably forget all the details within a few months.
Meh, I'll probably forget all the details within a few months.
January 17, 2013
2.5 stars - the .5 goes entirely to Angelo, because despite his obnoxious word-castrating, he's kind of adorbs. 2 stars for the completely yawn-inducing and predictable plot, hilariously stereotypical characters, and bad prose. As much as I didn't like
Promises
, I'll give it props for being at least somewhat better written than this one.
The story in 60 seconds:
(To the tune of The Brady Bunch theme)
Here's the story
Of a boy named Za-ach
()
Who was living on his own but for the ex's cat
He owned a vid store that was failing
'Cause he's clueless
Then fucks his douchebaggy landlord* bareback
It's the story
Of a kid named Angelo
()
Who was busy with two jobs of his own
He talked like he
Had no education
Yet he was savvier than 2 of Zach
'Til the one day Mr. Clueless friended Karate Ki-id
And they knew they needed to listen to some hippie tunes
Then by "chance" they meet Jared and his naked Ga-ay Yoda
And that's the way they all became the Coda Bunch!
The Coda Bunch, the Coda Bunch
A and Z boink, escape stereotypical villains, then move to join the Coda Buuuuuuuuuunch (<-sing this part really fast - I swear it works)
*Need an instant asshole stereotype in a box? Call 1-800-Mat-tel1, and ask for "Douchebag Ken" - just $19.95 plus S&H ()
Thoughts on the characters:
Angelo - I like the kid; he's feisty.
Zach - Meh.
Tom - See *
Nita - You deserved to be bitchslapped from here to kingdom come. Go on and hold your breath until I feel sorry for you.
Everyone else - I've already forgotten you.
Thoughts on the relationship:
Why? I don't really dislike either character (yet, anyway), but I am scratching my head on this one. They make no sense.
The story in 60 seconds:
(To the tune of The Brady Bunch theme)
Here's the story
Of a boy named Za-ach
()
Who was living on his own but for the ex's cat
He owned a vid store that was failing
'Cause he's clueless
Then fucks his douchebaggy landlord* bareback
It's the story
Of a kid named Angelo
()
Who was busy with two jobs of his own
He talked like he
Had no education
Yet he was savvier than 2 of Zach
'Til the one day Mr. Clueless friended Karate Ki-id
And they knew they needed to listen to some hippie tunes
Then by "chance" they meet Jared and his naked Ga-ay Yoda
And that's the way they all became the Coda Bunch!
The Coda Bunch, the Coda Bunch
A and Z boink, escape stereotypical villains, then move to join the Coda Buuuuuuuuuunch (<-sing this part really fast - I swear it works)
*Need an instant asshole stereotype in a box? Call 1-800-Mat-tel1, and ask for "Douchebag Ken" - just $19.95 plus S&H ()
Thoughts on the characters:
Angelo - I like the kid; he's feisty.
Zach - Meh.
Tom - See *
Nita - You deserved to be bitchslapped from here to kingdom come. Go on and hold your breath until I feel sorry for you.
Everyone else - I've already forgotten you.
Thoughts on the relationship:
Why? I don't really dislike either character (yet, anyway), but I am scratching my head on this one. They make no sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2012
This is the second book in the Coda series....and just as good as the first.
This is the story of Angelo and Zach....at first, I really couldn't see these two characters together, they are both so very different and somehow seemed a million miles apart. I did think to myself 'where is she going with this'
We open with Zach, who is 34 years old with a college degree but ends up not using it and working in a video store, which he eventually buys. He has had no serious relationships in ten years and gives the impression that he is clueless and really has no interest in anything at all!!
Angelo initially comes across as a troubled, street punk kid with attitude that occasionally hangs out at the local video store.
Of course, I needn't have worried because the more I became engrossed in the book the more I could see how perfect they were for each other.
Again, as in the last book their relationship develops through friendship. Something that becomes more important to Zach when he realised what an idiot the guy he was dating was....Tom, who I could quite happily have slapped..very hard!! as Angelo wanted to do on more that one occasion!!
It was apparent through out the book that Angelo was becoming more and more attached to Zach.....falling in love, which was totally alien to him as he had been on his own all of his adult life, no relationships to speak of and before that being fostered to various homes, having a mother that had abandoned him.
Zach was totally oblivious to the chemistry developing between them, He wanted to spend all of his time with Angelo, loved him working in the store as he was great with the customers and at the job, having an endless knowledge of films. Something that despite Zach being the owner new nothing!!!
When Zach at last has his epiphany and realises that he is in love with Angelo it all seems so perfect....But of course it wouldn't be such a good book if there weren't issues that need to be resolved before they have a HEA.....don't you just love romance novels?!
The relationship between Zach and Angelo was touching, both finding something in the other that had always been missing from their lives. I loved how it all connected back to Coda and I look forward to the next book in the series.
This is the story of Angelo and Zach....at first, I really couldn't see these two characters together, they are both so very different and somehow seemed a million miles apart. I did think to myself 'where is she going with this'
We open with Zach, who is 34 years old with a college degree but ends up not using it and working in a video store, which he eventually buys. He has had no serious relationships in ten years and gives the impression that he is clueless and really has no interest in anything at all!!
Angelo initially comes across as a troubled, street punk kid with attitude that occasionally hangs out at the local video store.
Of course, I needn't have worried because the more I became engrossed in the book the more I could see how perfect they were for each other.
Again, as in the last book their relationship develops through friendship. Something that becomes more important to Zach when he realised what an idiot the guy he was dating was....Tom, who I could quite happily have slapped..very hard!! as Angelo wanted to do on more that one occasion!!
It was apparent through out the book that Angelo was becoming more and more attached to Zach.....falling in love, which was totally alien to him as he had been on his own all of his adult life, no relationships to speak of and before that being fostered to various homes, having a mother that had abandoned him.
Zach was totally oblivious to the chemistry developing between them, He wanted to spend all of his time with Angelo, loved him working in the store as he was great with the customers and at the job, having an endless knowledge of films. Something that despite Zach being the owner new nothing!!!
When Zach at last has his epiphany and realises that he is in love with Angelo it all seems so perfect....But of course it wouldn't be such a good book if there weren't issues that need to be resolved before they have a HEA.....don't you just love romance novels?!
The relationship between Zach and Angelo was touching, both finding something in the other that had always been missing from their lives. I loved how it all connected back to Coda and I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 23, 2010
I think I'm among the minority who actually liked this better than Promises. I know a lot of people were turned off by the dual first person narrative. I personally don't see how she could have written it any other way. First person is so much more intimate than third, and this was the kind of story where the characters' thoughts and feelings and experiences were more important than anything else. It would have lost so much of its impact if all or part of it had been in third person.
And Angelo's voice was so unique; how could she have written him in 3rd person? And why would anyone have wanted her to?
I loved this book. I cared so much about these characters and wanted everything to turn out right for them. I was disappointed when it ended because I just wanted to be there for every minute of their happy ever after.
It was great seeing Matt and Jared from Promises again, and I hope we'll get peeks at Zach and Angelo in future books from Marie Sexton.
*ETA*
Re-read on 8/21/10 because I received my signed paperback in the mail! It was almost worth my three year old niece bringing it to me in the shower.
And Angelo's voice was so unique; how could she have written him in 3rd person? And why would anyone have wanted her to?
I loved this book. I cared so much about these characters and wanted everything to turn out right for them. I was disappointed when it ended because I just wanted to be there for every minute of their happy ever after.
It was great seeing Matt and Jared from Promises again, and I hope we'll get peeks at Zach and Angelo in future books from Marie Sexton.
*ETA*
Re-read on 8/21/10 because I received my signed paperback in the mail! It was almost worth my three year old niece bringing it to me in the shower.
March 16, 2020
Solid romance by Marie Sexton. Friends to lovers, opposites attract, a wee bit of angst.
Audio performed by Mark L. Jones who does a fine job.
Audio performed by Mark L. Jones who does a fine job.
June 14, 2014
Zach and Angelo's story...
Movies
Coda
New beginnings
Love...
Warm and fuzzy with a bit of angst.
I loved Zach and Angelo. Both have their separate baggage and issues and lots to work through.
All starts with a simple friendship and then they finally fell in love.
Great to have a glimpse of Matt and Jared too.
Loved it...
Movies
Coda
New beginnings
Love...
Warm and fuzzy with a bit of angst.
I loved Zach and Angelo. Both have their separate baggage and issues and lots to work through.
All starts with a simple friendship and then they finally fell in love.
Great to have a glimpse of Matt and Jared too.
"Jared’s contented love, Matt’s amazed love, and Zach’s reverent love. I thought my love had to be one of those. I see now I have my own love. My love is belongin’. ’Cause before Zach I never had a place I belonged at all. Now I know. I belong with him. It’s as simple as that."
Loved it...
February 29, 2016
4.5
*Happy Sighs*
I been looking for a sweet story that touches me and this do the trick.
I don't have really much to say of this book, not as amazing at the first one, a book that had a golden place in my heart, I loved to see Matt and Jared and the relationship of Angelo and Zach it just perfect.
Well Done Marie Sexton
*Happy Sighs*
I been looking for a sweet story that touches me and this do the trick.
I don't have really much to say of this book, not as amazing at the first one, a book that had a golden place in my heart, I loved to see Matt and Jared and the relationship of Angelo and Zach it just perfect.
Well Done Marie Sexton
March 14, 2010
3.5 stars
A to Z is called a Promises spin-off which is one of the selling factors for me. Having adored Promises, I was really excited to read the laid back romantic style of the author once again. This offering does evoke some of the highlights of the previous book but ultimately fails to live up to the same excellence due to the writing style. The alternating first person point of view is jarring and uncomfortable to read, which constantly draws the reader out of the experience. Although the characters are interesting and the plot contains a good romance with a deft touch of angst, drama, and confusion, the choppy narrative significantly lessens what could have been a much better book.
Zach Mitchell is introduced early on as the owner of a video rental store even though he hates movies and hasn’t seen very many. He’s fell into the job right out of college when getting high, drinking, and having sex were his main goals in life. Although he eventually cleaned up his act, he lacks a driving ambition that allowed him to drift into shop ownership without much forward momentum. When his new landlord comes on very aggressively, Zach naturally drifts into an unfulfilling relationship. Thankfully a bright new employee Angelo wakes Zach from his blind, rudderless life with the hope for something entirely different and exciting.
Once again Sexton has delivered a seemingly simplistic plot that works incredibly well. There is no big drama, no misunderstandings, and no car chases or angst filled weeping here. Yet the story is never boring, slow, or bland. Sexton offers a light, satisfying, and thoroughly absorbing style of writing that lets the reader indulge with delight. Here the story focuses on clueless Zach as he figures out what he wants and finally realizes the man working for him offers him much more than shop assistance. However their journey is not over there as they must work out the kinks of their relationship as two men not accustomed to being with another person. The tone is light and the pace moves swiftly even with a few obviously contrived situations. Here the inclusion of Jared and Matt is nice for fans but not really necessary and clearly orchestrated rather than natural.
That aspect doesn’t diminish the enjoyment of the book but what causes the story to stumble is the choice of writing style. Here the story is told in alternating first person point of view with Zach speaking in past tense while Angelo speaks in broken present tense. The two narrators bounce every chapter and often replay the last scene just from the other’s perspective. While this does help the reader see and understand both men, the change is jarring. Zach’s narration has a smooth, almost effortless style that sinks the reader into his cute and hapless thoughts and actions. Yet this is juxtaposed to Angelo’s more aggressive, choppy speech which is interesting but takes more effort. Just as I was getting used to one narrator, it would flip and I would have to spend time getting into the next one then it would flip again. While not fatally annoying, this style keeps the book very disjointed and always reminds the reader they are reading a book so you can’t sink into the story.
Here’s an example of the two narrators, first Zach and then Angelo.
The day arrived when I came home, and he was gone. On the bright side, that was my wake up call. After that I managed to get my shit together—for the most part, at least. But I never did get another apartment or another job. And when my boss, Mr. Murray, decided to retire, I took out a loan and bought the video rental store.
It seemed like a good idea at the time.
So now here I am: thirty-four, single, and the not-so-proud owner of A to Z Video Rental. Did I mention that I hate movies?
------------------------
He invites me over again two nights later, and we spend another night sittin’ on his livin’ room floor, watchin’ a movie and eatin’ takeout Thai food. When I leave I can’t help hopin’ he’ll ask me over again. Sure beats sittin’ at my place by myself.
The characters are interesting with very different personalities. The change in narrator allows both men to show their thoughts and emotions well creating well rounded characters. Zach is a nice change from the typical sweet and clueless protagonist. Here he doesn't have grand ambition to be a CEO or incredibly wealthy. In fact, he lacks a driving force in his life and ambition before meeting Angelo. Instead of making Zach a pathetic character, it is refreshing to read a very common type man. Once Zach wakes up to his feelings for the other man, he transfers his desires and ambitions onto him. Zach suddenly has a focus in his life - Angelo - that while isn't his entire life; it is the center of his life. Zach's attention becomes sharper and there are several very lovely scenes with Zach showering quiet, careful affection onto Angelo's ankle, his inner elbow, or some small piece of the whole that Zach adores.
While Zach has a steady, comforting presence and love, Angelo is the opposite. Abandoned by his parents at an early age, he has scrapped and worked for his life. He distrusts relationships and connections, craving a personal space that can't be taken away or corrupted. Angelo struggles with his fear of commitment and abandonment but also has intelligence, strength, and compassion. He loves movies and sees the subtle nuance behind the obvious themes and is ultimately a complicated, interesting figure. His relationship to Zach makes for a good pairing while his friendship with Matt is surprising and entertaining. Matt is just one of the many colorful secondary characters that are introduced to add humor and flavor to the story.
Overall I think the story would have worked better written in alternating third person pov in the same tense. I wish the entire novel had featured the same effortless, absorbing ease that is depicted in Zach's narrative. However, A to Z is still an engaging, light, and quick read with a touch of angst, drama, and a few overly contrived scenes. The end result is a warm comfort read with strong romance and a lasting happy ending. While it doesn't live up to Promises, A to Z still stands on its own.
A to Z is called a Promises spin-off which is one of the selling factors for me. Having adored Promises, I was really excited to read the laid back romantic style of the author once again. This offering does evoke some of the highlights of the previous book but ultimately fails to live up to the same excellence due to the writing style. The alternating first person point of view is jarring and uncomfortable to read, which constantly draws the reader out of the experience. Although the characters are interesting and the plot contains a good romance with a deft touch of angst, drama, and confusion, the choppy narrative significantly lessens what could have been a much better book.
Zach Mitchell is introduced early on as the owner of a video rental store even though he hates movies and hasn’t seen very many. He’s fell into the job right out of college when getting high, drinking, and having sex were his main goals in life. Although he eventually cleaned up his act, he lacks a driving ambition that allowed him to drift into shop ownership without much forward momentum. When his new landlord comes on very aggressively, Zach naturally drifts into an unfulfilling relationship. Thankfully a bright new employee Angelo wakes Zach from his blind, rudderless life with the hope for something entirely different and exciting.
Once again Sexton has delivered a seemingly simplistic plot that works incredibly well. There is no big drama, no misunderstandings, and no car chases or angst filled weeping here. Yet the story is never boring, slow, or bland. Sexton offers a light, satisfying, and thoroughly absorbing style of writing that lets the reader indulge with delight. Here the story focuses on clueless Zach as he figures out what he wants and finally realizes the man working for him offers him much more than shop assistance. However their journey is not over there as they must work out the kinks of their relationship as two men not accustomed to being with another person. The tone is light and the pace moves swiftly even with a few obviously contrived situations. Here the inclusion of Jared and Matt is nice for fans but not really necessary and clearly orchestrated rather than natural.
That aspect doesn’t diminish the enjoyment of the book but what causes the story to stumble is the choice of writing style. Here the story is told in alternating first person point of view with Zach speaking in past tense while Angelo speaks in broken present tense. The two narrators bounce every chapter and often replay the last scene just from the other’s perspective. While this does help the reader see and understand both men, the change is jarring. Zach’s narration has a smooth, almost effortless style that sinks the reader into his cute and hapless thoughts and actions. Yet this is juxtaposed to Angelo’s more aggressive, choppy speech which is interesting but takes more effort. Just as I was getting used to one narrator, it would flip and I would have to spend time getting into the next one then it would flip again. While not fatally annoying, this style keeps the book very disjointed and always reminds the reader they are reading a book so you can’t sink into the story.
Here’s an example of the two narrators, first Zach and then Angelo.
The day arrived when I came home, and he was gone. On the bright side, that was my wake up call. After that I managed to get my shit together—for the most part, at least. But I never did get another apartment or another job. And when my boss, Mr. Murray, decided to retire, I took out a loan and bought the video rental store.
It seemed like a good idea at the time.
So now here I am: thirty-four, single, and the not-so-proud owner of A to Z Video Rental. Did I mention that I hate movies?
------------------------
He invites me over again two nights later, and we spend another night sittin’ on his livin’ room floor, watchin’ a movie and eatin’ takeout Thai food. When I leave I can’t help hopin’ he’ll ask me over again. Sure beats sittin’ at my place by myself.
The characters are interesting with very different personalities. The change in narrator allows both men to show their thoughts and emotions well creating well rounded characters. Zach is a nice change from the typical sweet and clueless protagonist. Here he doesn't have grand ambition to be a CEO or incredibly wealthy. In fact, he lacks a driving force in his life and ambition before meeting Angelo. Instead of making Zach a pathetic character, it is refreshing to read a very common type man. Once Zach wakes up to his feelings for the other man, he transfers his desires and ambitions onto him. Zach suddenly has a focus in his life - Angelo - that while isn't his entire life; it is the center of his life. Zach's attention becomes sharper and there are several very lovely scenes with Zach showering quiet, careful affection onto Angelo's ankle, his inner elbow, or some small piece of the whole that Zach adores.
While Zach has a steady, comforting presence and love, Angelo is the opposite. Abandoned by his parents at an early age, he has scrapped and worked for his life. He distrusts relationships and connections, craving a personal space that can't be taken away or corrupted. Angelo struggles with his fear of commitment and abandonment but also has intelligence, strength, and compassion. He loves movies and sees the subtle nuance behind the obvious themes and is ultimately a complicated, interesting figure. His relationship to Zach makes for a good pairing while his friendship with Matt is surprising and entertaining. Matt is just one of the many colorful secondary characters that are introduced to add humor and flavor to the story.
Overall I think the story would have worked better written in alternating third person pov in the same tense. I wish the entire novel had featured the same effortless, absorbing ease that is depicted in Zach's narrative. However, A to Z is still an engaging, light, and quick read with a touch of angst, drama, and a few overly contrived scenes. The end result is a warm comfort read with strong romance and a lasting happy ending. While it doesn't live up to Promises, A to Z still stands on its own.
January 10, 2011
I really liked the story and the way it was written. There are two points of view: Zach's and Angelo's. They have two distinct voices: Zach's is more refined, like Zach himself is, cute and tidy, written in a classical third person, simple past; Angelo's is rougher, like Angelo is, very direct and colloquial, written in a raw first person, present tense. This helps give the characters their uniqueness.
Zach is cute and clueless. At the beginning it seems that Angelo is the strong one and Zach is more passive. Zach is older than Angelo (7 years older, if I'm correct) and he is at a point of his life where he feels he has nothing more to give and nothing more to expect. He is in a sort of relationship with Tom, who's simply using him as a sex buddy and treats him very badly, so badly you have to wonder if Zach is stupid or what.
When Angelo enters Zach's life, things begin to change for the better and slowly Angelo becomes everything to Zach: his best employee and his best friend. Zach breaks his relationship with Tom and as a consequence he faces the risk of losing his business. The book is not divided into parts, but when they move to Coda in order to start their new business, everything changes. Zach realizes that Angelo has been in love with him for a while and he embraces his love for the younger man. And here Angelo's problems begin (and what's for me the second part of the book).
Angelo has been abandoned by his mother when he was a little kid, he's grown up in foster homes, he's dropped out of school and he's been living trying to be as independent from anyone else as possible. Zach slowly makes a breach through his defenses. I had a problem with Angelo, even if I loved him to pieces, and that's the reason why I can't give 5 stars: he's 27 but he sounds like a teenager and I don't know if it's because he can't express his feelings or because he is a bit immature. I think that if someone is not used to love and being loved freely, the generosity of the feeling can be overwhelming. There's maybe some kind of selfishness on Angelo's part, but it's probably because of the shields he has to wear to protect himself. I don't know.
I really liked getting in touch again with Matt and Jared. I really loved the paragraph where Angelo talked about the different kinds of love they were giving each other, looking at Matt and Jared's relationship from the outside.
It was fascinating that Zach makes love to Angelo with extreme care and tenderness, while Angelo shows urgency and possessiveness. I think it's the trait of someone who has never had a thing and he finally has something, someone who's not used to having something for themselves. Am I writing an essay about Angelo? He's such a complex character.
The story line with Angelo's mother left me cold. I understand Angelo's reaction, but I can't understand the behavior of his mom, she abandoned him and then she came back so judgmental? I don't understand the point of making her act that way.
I enjoyed this book very much, it moved me and I felt involved in the life of its characters, maybe because they're flawed and hurt and they're looking for a chance and deserve to be, if not happy, at least happier.
Zach is cute and clueless. At the beginning it seems that Angelo is the strong one and Zach is more passive. Zach is older than Angelo (7 years older, if I'm correct) and he is at a point of his life where he feels he has nothing more to give and nothing more to expect. He is in a sort of relationship with Tom, who's simply using him as a sex buddy and treats him very badly, so badly you have to wonder if Zach is stupid or what.
When Angelo enters Zach's life, things begin to change for the better and slowly Angelo becomes everything to Zach: his best employee and his best friend. Zach breaks his relationship with Tom and as a consequence he faces the risk of losing his business. The book is not divided into parts, but when they move to Coda in order to start their new business, everything changes. Zach realizes that Angelo has been in love with him for a while and he embraces his love for the younger man. And here Angelo's problems begin (and what's for me the second part of the book).
Angelo has been abandoned by his mother when he was a little kid, he's grown up in foster homes, he's dropped out of school and he's been living trying to be as independent from anyone else as possible. Zach slowly makes a breach through his defenses. I had a problem with Angelo, even if I loved him to pieces, and that's the reason why I can't give 5 stars: he's 27 but he sounds like a teenager and I don't know if it's because he can't express his feelings or because he is a bit immature. I think that if someone is not used to love and being loved freely, the generosity of the feeling can be overwhelming. There's maybe some kind of selfishness on Angelo's part, but it's probably because of the shields he has to wear to protect himself. I don't know.
I really liked getting in touch again with Matt and Jared. I really loved the paragraph where Angelo talked about the different kinds of love they were giving each other, looking at Matt and Jared's relationship from the outside.
It was fascinating that Zach makes love to Angelo with extreme care and tenderness, while Angelo shows urgency and possessiveness. I think it's the trait of someone who has never had a thing and he finally has something, someone who's not used to having something for themselves. Am I writing an essay about Angelo? He's such a complex character.
The story line with Angelo's mother left me cold. I understand Angelo's reaction, but I can't understand the behavior of his mom, she abandoned him and then she came back so judgmental? I don't understand the point of making her act that way.
I enjoyed this book very much, it moved me and I felt involved in the life of its characters, maybe because they're flawed and hurt and they're looking for a chance and deserve to be, if not happy, at least happier.
May 27, 2013
Audible's audio book version.
Somewhat boring. (Really trope-y, typified m/m).
Badly written (1st person, terribly lazy!)
Blah.
Plus, I could have seriously done without all the Christian overtones in my m/m romance...seriously.
Somewhat boring. (Really trope-y, typified m/m).
Badly written (1st person, terribly lazy!)
Blah.
Plus, I could have seriously done without all the Christian overtones in my m/m romance...seriously.
July 1, 2013
Warm fuzzy alert! Warm fuzzy alert! I loved Zach and Angelo, their separate baggage and issues, their friendship and finally falling in love. Loved loved loved!!!
June 2, 2014
5 PUNK MOVIE WORTHY STARS
Zach Mitchell is a man that just goes along with his life. After his college boyfriend left him 10years ago without a single explanation he still lives in the same crappy apartment, drives the same car and takes care of his ex's cat -that hates him-. He owns a video rental store AtoZ is struggling. He doesnt understand his customers, doesnt know anything about movies, has crazy neighbors and has a sad unfulfilled relationship with his new landlord, Tom.
Angelo Green, a punk with an attitude, had been raised in foster homes all his life and has been on his own since he was only sixteen, he doesnt trust anyone and specially doesnt love anyone. So when he gets a job working for Zach at AtoZ Video, he decides the clueless cute hottie is off-limits. But when the pair strike a fast easy friendship and Zach breaks-up with Tom, Angelo comes up with a solution, but will they be able to save one another too?
“Sure.”
“Sure, what?”
“I want a job.”
“You just said you already had one.”
“I do. I got two. But if you’re hirin’, I’ll quit one of ’em. It
hella sucks anyway.”
I didn’t know what 'helisux' was, but I wasn’t about to ask.
Angelo and Zach, Zach and Angelo, their interactions are just adorable, and Zach's own clueless-ness is so endearing, I was in love with them from the first time.
��You want to hang out again sometime?”
“You think I got nothin’ better to do?” It was that impudent tone again, and I didn’t know if I should be offended or not.
“It was just a thought,” I said, trying once again not to sound defensive. “Never mind.”
“Yeah.”
“Yeah, what?”
“Yeah, I wanna hang out again sometime.” I wondered if I would ever get used to these convoluted exchanges. “See you tomorrow, Zach.”
See? Arent they just so cute!!
“Are we going to watch one of them tonight?”
“You just assume I’m comin’ over?” I’m just tryin’ to get my balance again.
“Only if you want to.”
“No.”
“No, you don’t want to come over?” Did I say that?
“No, I got another movie picked out for tonight,” I tell him.
“So, you are coming over?”
Sometimes it’s like we’re not even speakin’ the same fuckin’ language. “Isn’t that what I just said?”
There wasn’t much room, and his arm kept brushing mine. At least he had put his shirt back on. Still, I could smell him. He smelled like sweat and shampoo, and paint, and it was sexy as hell. Just standing next to him had me hard all over again. Had he rolled in pheromones that morning or something?
“Everything feels so much better with you, Zach. Is it that way for you too?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
I knew why, but I was hesitant to say it. I ran my hand down his side, felt his ribs against my fingers, kissed the back of his neck, and finally whispered, “Because we love each other.”
His fingers clenched in mine, but then he sighed and said sleepily, “That must be it.”
Zach Mitchell is a man that just goes along with his life. After his college boyfriend left him 10years ago without a single explanation he still lives in the same crappy apartment, drives the same car and takes care of his ex's cat -that hates him-. He owns a video rental store AtoZ is struggling. He doesnt understand his customers, doesnt know anything about movies, has crazy neighbors and has a sad unfulfilled relationship with his new landlord, Tom.
Angelo Green, a punk with an attitude, had been raised in foster homes all his life and has been on his own since he was only sixteen, he doesnt trust anyone and specially doesnt love anyone. So when he gets a job working for Zach at AtoZ Video, he decides the clueless cute hottie is off-limits. But when the pair strike a fast easy friendship and Zach breaks-up with Tom, Angelo comes up with a solution, but will they be able to save one another too?
“Sure.”
“Sure, what?”
“I want a job.”
“You just said you already had one.”
“I do. I got two. But if you’re hirin’, I’ll quit one of ’em. It
hella sucks anyway.”
I didn’t know what 'helisux' was, but I wasn’t about to ask.
Angelo and Zach, Zach and Angelo, their interactions are just adorable, and Zach's own clueless-ness is so endearing, I was in love with them from the first time.
��You want to hang out again sometime?”
“You think I got nothin’ better to do?” It was that impudent tone again, and I didn’t know if I should be offended or not.
“It was just a thought,” I said, trying once again not to sound defensive. “Never mind.”
“Yeah.”
“Yeah, what?”
“Yeah, I wanna hang out again sometime.” I wondered if I would ever get used to these convoluted exchanges. “See you tomorrow, Zach.”
See? Arent they just so cute!!
“Are we going to watch one of them tonight?”
“You just assume I’m comin’ over?” I’m just tryin’ to get my balance again.
“Only if you want to.”
“No.”
“No, you don’t want to come over?” Did I say that?
“No, I got another movie picked out for tonight,” I tell him.
“So, you are coming over?”
Sometimes it’s like we’re not even speakin’ the same fuckin’ language. “Isn’t that what I just said?”
There wasn’t much room, and his arm kept brushing mine. At least he had put his shirt back on. Still, I could smell him. He smelled like sweat and shampoo, and paint, and it was sexy as hell. Just standing next to him had me hard all over again. Had he rolled in pheromones that morning or something?
“Everything feels so much better with you, Zach. Is it that way for you too?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
I knew why, but I was hesitant to say it. I ran my hand down his side, felt his ribs against my fingers, kissed the back of his neck, and finally whispered, “Because we love each other.”
His fingers clenched in mine, but then he sighed and said sleepily, “That must be it.”
July 5, 2019
After reading twice the first book (Promises) of this series, I ask myself why I did not continue the series? Damn, I was wrong then. I thought that maybe the other books weren't going to be good as the first, but damn (again) I was wrong. This book was just as perfect as the first one!
Let me explain a little. This book does NOT follow the story of the first book, but you will see the characters at some point and you will be happy because they are happy. Now, this story follows the story of Zach and Angelo. They live one hour or so away from Coda (but SPOILER they end there at the middle of the book). Zach owns a movie rental store and he hates it, but there was nothing more for him after his last boyfriend left him with only his cat to remember him. After some pages (exactly 13), we meet Tom and the relationship between Zach and Tom escalated quickly. After a while, we meet Angelo. Zach and Ang hit it off really good. Angelo begins working for Zach, but there is more there (at least in Angelo's pov).
You can actually see that friendship escalating a little bit, right? Well, I did, but there was this issue called Tom. And damn I hate him. Zach wouldn't understand that Tom was bad news and Angelo didn't want to say anything about it to him. After a while, Zach noticed and well, they got the hell out of there and went to Coda. Do you see where this is going? The only problem was Angelo. He was always between wanting to be with Zach or wanting to be alone. I was pissed (a little), but the end was perfect. When Angelo finally knows that there isn't anything better than Zach being the home he always needed.
These stories (including the first book) have such sweetness, such drama and such hot scenes that I definitely devored them. I was going directly to read the next book, but other one needs more attention... or maybe I can read both of them? Ugh. Anyways, I really recommend these books. I popped my cherry of MM romance with the first and certainly I wouldnt wish for another better than that one. I'm telling to read this book, like ASAP.
Let me explain a little. This book does NOT follow the story of the first book, but you will see the characters at some point and you will be happy because they are happy. Now, this story follows the story of Zach and Angelo. They live one hour or so away from Coda (but SPOILER they end there at the middle of the book). Zach owns a movie rental store and he hates it, but there was nothing more for him after his last boyfriend left him with only his cat to remember him. After some pages (exactly 13), we meet Tom and the relationship between Zach and Tom escalated quickly. After a while, we meet Angelo. Zach and Ang hit it off really good. Angelo begins working for Zach, but there is more there (at least in Angelo's pov).
You can actually see that friendship escalating a little bit, right? Well, I did, but there was this issue called Tom. And damn I hate him. Zach wouldn't understand that Tom was bad news and Angelo didn't want to say anything about it to him. After a while, Zach noticed and well, they got the hell out of there and went to Coda. Do you see where this is going? The only problem was Angelo. He was always between wanting to be with Zach or wanting to be alone. I was pissed (a little), but the end was perfect. When Angelo finally knows that there isn't anything better than Zach being the home he always needed.
These stories (including the first book) have such sweetness, such drama and such hot scenes that I definitely devored them. I was going directly to read the next book, but other one needs more attention... or maybe I can read both of them? Ugh. Anyways, I really recommend these books. I popped my cherry of MM romance with the first and certainly I wouldnt wish for another better than that one. I'm telling to read this book, like ASAP.
December 31, 2015
2.5 stars
It’s been a while since I read the first book in this series, Promises. I gave it five stars, but A to Z didn’t grab me the same way. I think, mostly, because I couldn’t believe in the connection between Zach and Angelo. Zach’s in his thirties, owns the video store, A to Z, but doesn’t like movies and doesn’t put much thought or heart into running his business. For ten years. He also has a failed relationship and has been alone and cut off from social connections. Zach is the color ‘gray.’ There’s not much life or personality to him; he’s just putting in the time. How sad.
Until Angelo comes along. Angelo is a movie nut, a return customer to A to Z video. If Angelo were a color, it’d be orange or something luminous, something bright— he brings some light into Zach’s dusty life, makes him take a good look at himself. It just takes Zach a while to get with the program.
Then, there’s such a switch around to these characters when they do finally get together. Zach wakes up, and Angelo disappears into himself, facing some deep demons. No family, of mixed-race, a foster-kid, he’s been abused, he’s been on his own since sixteen. I really liked Angelo’s character. It felt fully-drawn. I just couldn’t see what he saw in Zach in the beginning. And when Zach finally starts responding, Angelo turns away. Their story feels somewhat contrived and in the end, while there is some resolution, unfinished.
August 4, 2010
Zach Mitchell has been in a rut for the last 10 years. He stills lives in the apartment he shared with his ex. hH still has the cast his ex left behind. He now owns the video store where he got the job to hold him over until he got a real job. He's still single. Then he meets Mr. Perfect and he's a douche bag. But he did become friends with one of his customers, Angelo Green.
I like it. I like the characters and I loved the dual first person narration! Mostly because my biggest dislike (usually) about first person is everything is tinted by how everyone in the book relates to the narrator and there are things it's impossible to see because the narrator just can't be there. So I dug this.
I felt the same way at the end of their book as I did at the end of Matt & Jared's. They are in a good starting place but they still have issues to work out in their relationship and I hope to read about them. (I know there is a sequel which I already have and am looking forward to.) I liked that we also got to revisit Matt & Jared as well! WEE! I'm a little giddy about that.
All in all, I worry about Zach in this relationship because I'm just not sure about the balance between them, but I hope it all works out. I also loved his psychic neighbor. I sort of applied all her visions except for the one about breadcrumbs.
I like it. I like the characters and I loved the dual first person narration! Mostly because my biggest dislike (usually) about first person is everything is tinted by how everyone in the book relates to the narrator and there are things it's impossible to see because the narrator just can't be there. So I dug this.
I felt the same way at the end of their book as I did at the end of Matt & Jared's. They are in a good starting place but they still have issues to work out in their relationship and I hope to read about them. (I know there is a sequel which I already have and am looking forward to.) I liked that we also got to revisit Matt & Jared as well! WEE! I'm a little giddy about that.
All in all, I worry about Zach in this relationship because I'm just not sure about the balance between them, but I hope it all works out. I also loved his psychic neighbor. I sort of applied all her visions except for the one about breadcrumbs.
March 6, 2013
I fell in love with the two MCs - Zach and Angelo. They complemented each other so well.
Zach is muddling through life without any ambition, he owns a failing video store… but he hates movies, is disorganized and lousy at customer service. Ang works two jobs, visits the video store every day, and is obsessed with movies. When Zach offers Ang a job, Ang not only transforms the video store (he is organized and is great at customer service), he also ends up changing both their lives for the better.
Despite his lack of education and abandonment issues, Ang is the one with vision and drive. Zach with his college degree is lost in space, sort of checked out and irresponsible. Although I thought the way Zach fell for Ang was a bit contrived, I really enjoyed watching Zach and Ang's characters develop... as their relationship grew.
"First, you don't have to be smart to read books. Lots of idiots read books. Trust me, the ability to read does not necessarily mean the ability to think"
Zach is muddling through life without any ambition, he owns a failing video store… but he hates movies, is disorganized and lousy at customer service. Ang works two jobs, visits the video store every day, and is obsessed with movies. When Zach offers Ang a job, Ang not only transforms the video store (he is organized and is great at customer service), he also ends up changing both their lives for the better.
Despite his lack of education and abandonment issues, Ang is the one with vision and drive. Zach with his college degree is lost in space, sort of checked out and irresponsible. Although I thought the way Zach fell for Ang was a bit contrived, I really enjoyed watching Zach and Ang's characters develop... as their relationship grew.
"First, you don't have to be smart to read books. Lots of idiots read books. Trust me, the ability to read does not necessarily mean the ability to think"
October 3, 2016
3 stars
I liked Ang and Zach's story. It was sweet and ends well. They get to know each other before they jump to bed.
Notwithstanding that, I didn't care about Zach's character at all.
In the first chapters he sounded depressed, but then he just read as a completely clueless moron.
I couldn't get over the fact that he lets Tom have sex with him without a condom. After that, he is Tom's doormat even when it's so obvious that he's using him.
And don't get me started with the fact that he and Angelo have unprotected sex when Zach knows that Tom slept around.
That kinda ruined the sexy times for me because I always had it in the back of my mind.
Then, nobody can be so blind and clueless as he is. I could believe that he didn't realize Angelo had feelings for him... but moving from having no clue of his own feelings for Ang to realizing that he was head over heels in love with the guy in less than a nanosecond? That gave me whiplash.
He's definitely the village idiot. Good intentions and all.
If you can overlook those details, then I recommend this book to you.
I liked Ang and Zach's story. It was sweet and ends well. They get to know each other before they jump to bed.
Notwithstanding that, I didn't care about Zach's character at all.
In the first chapters he sounded depressed, but then he just read as a completely clueless moron.
I couldn't get over the fact that he lets Tom have sex with him without a condom. After that, he is Tom's doormat even when it's so obvious that he's using him.
And don't get me started with the fact that he and Angelo have unprotected sex when Zach knows that Tom slept around.
That kinda ruined the sexy times for me because I always had it in the back of my mind.
Then, nobody can be so blind and clueless as he is. I could believe that he didn't realize Angelo had feelings for him... but moving from having no clue of his own feelings for Ang to realizing that he was head over heels in love with the guy in less than a nanosecond? That gave me whiplash.
He's definitely the village idiot. Good intentions and all.
If you can overlook those details, then I recommend this book to you.
March 11, 2013
A solid romance about accepting and loving people as they are, and not the image you have of them. I like how much Zack seems to understand Angelo, and be willing to accept what he is able to give him. They both have their own issues, and I appreciate that there isn't some sort of magical happy ending. It seems more honest than the books where two characters meet, and are instantly in love, and everything just somehow works itself out. There is no healing penis, and the fears and insecurities both men have are going to continue to play a part. I look forward to seeing how their connection continues to develop over time.
September 23, 2019
I really enjoyed it. I usually hate to see the Mcs with other people that aren't the main love interest, but it wasn't that bad.
One thing that I didn't like was that Angelo was a 27 year old but his voice sounded really young. I would say 20 or so. But a definitely plus is that we had two Points of View. Nice.
One thing that I didn't like was that Angelo was a 27 year old but his voice sounded really young. I would say 20 or so. But a definitely plus is that we had two Points of View. Nice.
Want to read
July 2, 2018Price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US, 7/1/18
January 23, 2022
2-
Nie było lepiej...
Samo prowadzenie historii było lepsze, nie było już takiego suchego zaliczania celu za celem. Były nawet dwa POV-y. Ale sama historia i jej bohaterowie... 🤦♀️
Tak bezmyślnego, niezorientowanego, apatycznego, naiwnego, wegetującego, nieświadomego, ciężko myślącego i mało spostrzegawczego (żeby nie napisać tępawego), nie znającego się praktycznie na niczym faceta jak Zach, dawno w książce nie spotkałam. A może nawet nigdy. Jakim cudem przetrwał prowadząc przez 10 lat wypożyczalnię kaset video w XXI wieku, nie tylko nie mając bladego pojęcia o filmach i bez żadnej chęci, by cokolwiek się o nich dowiedzieć, nie pamiętając imion stałych klientów, czy nawet pracowników, ale również tak naprawdę nie będąc zainteresowany specjalnie swoim biznesem - jest poza moim pojmowaniem. Tak naprawdę należy się zastanowić, jak on dożył tak sędziwego wieku, jak 34 lata 😉
Zach to ciepłe kluchy, Angelo to dość rozwydrzony i humorzasty bachor, zaś jako para zupełnie nie zagrali. Wyszło raczej antypatycznie pod każdym względem. Nie mogłam się chyba mniej interesować już ich losem, szczerze mówiąc, zupełnie mnie nie interesowało, co się z nimi stanie...
Nie było lepiej...
Samo prowadzenie historii było lepsze, nie było już takiego suchego zaliczania celu za celem. Były nawet dwa POV-y. Ale sama historia i jej bohaterowie... 🤦♀️
Tak bezmyślnego, niezorientowanego, apatycznego, naiwnego, wegetującego, nieświadomego, ciężko myślącego i mało spostrzegawczego (żeby nie napisać tępawego), nie znającego się praktycznie na niczym faceta jak Zach, dawno w książce nie spotkałam. A może nawet nigdy. Jakim cudem przetrwał prowadząc przez 10 lat wypożyczalnię kaset video w XXI wieku, nie tylko nie mając bladego pojęcia o filmach i bez żadnej chęci, by cokolwiek się o nich dowiedzieć, nie pamiętając imion stałych klientów, czy nawet pracowników, ale również tak naprawdę nie będąc zainteresowany specjalnie swoim biznesem - jest poza moim pojmowaniem. Tak naprawdę należy się zastanowić, jak on dożył tak sędziwego wieku, jak 34 lata 😉
Zach to ciepłe kluchy, Angelo to dość rozwydrzony i humorzasty bachor, zaś jako para zupełnie nie zagrali. Wyszło raczej antypatycznie pod każdym względem. Nie mogłam się chyba mniej interesować już ich losem, szczerze mówiąc, zupełnie mnie nie interesowało, co się z nimi stanie...
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